BetsyAnn LoomisReynolds

BREWER - Betsy Ann Loomis Reynolds departed this life Jan. 4, 2013, after a short illness. Born May 9, 1935, to Perley and Helen Hawes Loomis, Betsy and her sister, Helene, were raised in Solon.

After completing Solon High School, Betsy pursued a degree in English and home economics at Farmington State Teacher's College, graduating in 1957. While at FSTC, Betsy met S. Eugene Reynolds of Strong, and they were married Jan. 25, 1957. They moved to Pittsfield, where Gene worked for Edwards Co., and settled into small town life with three active children. While Betsy worked outside the home as a teacher, legal secretary, and for the school lunch program, the focus of her life was the health, happiness and success of her family, and we did our best to make her proud. Her many talents included sewing, gardening, braiding beautiful rugs and playing the piano. She devoted many hours volunteering with community organizations, and was a founding member of First Congregational Church of Pittsfield, serving as a Sunday school teacher, head of Missions Committee and establishing the iconic Pennywise Thrift Shop. Betsy loved to travel, and relished the two years she and Gene spent living in Cork City, Ireland, in the 1980s. They traveled throughout Europe, hosted visits from the entire family, and formed many lasting friendships. Upon returning from Ireland, Betsy and Gene settled in Brewer and Little Deer Isle, and immersed themselves in their new communities. Betsy was an active and valued member of King's Daughters, Brewer Community Service Council, Brewer Garden and Bird Club, First Congregational Church of Brewer, and Red Hat Society of Little Deer Isle. Betsy had a true gift for making friends and she is loved and will be remembered by many.

A service to honor Betsy's life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at First Congregational Church of Brewer. Though Betsy loved flowers, she would be the first to suggest those wanting to make a thoughtful gesture in her honor consider donating to Brewer Community Service Council, care of Ellen Fisher, 117 Silk St., Brewer, ME 04412. A service of the Brewer Chapel of Brookings-Smith, 55 South Main St., Brewer. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.